IMPLEMENTING BYOD

 DEFINITION

 Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to technology models where students bring a personally owned device to school for the purpose of learning.

Today’s generation of students is unlike any other. These little digital natives and their beloved mobile devices are attached at the hip. They keep their mobile devices on them at all times and expect connectivity. Therefore, as our society continues to become more and more gadget addicted, BYOD in schools (bring your own device) becomes inevitable.  Yes, BYOD in schools is seemingly unavoidable, and it has it’s benefits,  

Collaboration is easier,  Learning  beyond the classroom walls is possible , there is personalized instruction, Gamification is possible, Education is more interactive, there is  Increased Engagement, Student and Teacher swap roles. Etc.

The BYOD models used to direct and manage the personally owned devices used in schools are just as varied as the type of devices that students bring into classrooms.

The models include;

1. Limiting personally owned devices to a specific brand/model of device.

2. Limiting personally owned devices to those that meet specific technical specifications (e.g.,

specific versions of operating systems, minimum amount of storage space, Internet ready, etc.).

3. Limiting personally owned devices to those with specific functionality (e.g., compatibility with software, compatibility with online testing requirements, etc.).

4. Accepting all personally owned devices, provided they are Internet-ready

Considerations:

The BYOD classroom requires a lot of front end planning and pre-teaching before devices can be brought into the school. As a teacher I  need to have a discussion with the school administration to see how to change the  policies to allow. 

 In order for personal devices to be used effectively, teachers and students must learn to use, manage and secure the devices as they move from class to class and as they engage in in-school and after-school activities.

The school need to either offer formal support, perhaps through student-led support teams or dedicate some time to technical training on devices.

School authorities implementing BYOD models that allow a range of devices need to consider how to ensure students have sufficient facility with the device to meet the requirements of the classroom.

BYOD models also require the negotiation of licenses for digital content, software and applications that include home and school use.

It also raises management issues related to such topics such as charging stations, printing options and security of the devices.

I tried using BYOD before even knowing it as BYOD, I just told students to carry their mobile devices, but the challenge I got , only a few managed to do so and somehow I didn’t achieve my goal.

But I strongly believe that we can start with the cell phones because , the can easily be obtained by the students.